In Costa Rica, mobile coverage and internet access are well-developed in cities and tourist areas. Whether you're sharing your experiences or staying in touch, you'll find reliable connection options, with 4G networks and Wi-Fi hotspots in most hotels and cafés. In more remote areas, connectivity may be more limited, but local options meet essential communication needs.

State of Mobile Networks in the Country

Mobile network coverage in Costa Rica extends primarily across the Central Valley and major tourist zones. San José and its surroundings benefit from stable 4G connectivity, while coastal regions enjoy satisfactory 3G coverage.

Mountainous areas and national parks present more variable connectivity. For instance, Tortuguero National Park experiences dead zones where signal can be unreliable.

4G and 4.5G technologies currently dominate Costa Rica's digital landscape, with average download speeds reaching 25 Mbps in urban areas. 5G has made its first appearance in the capital since early 2024, but its rollout remains limited to business districts.

Movistar and Other Local Operators

Recently acquired by Liberty, Movistar stands out with plans including unlimited WhatsApp and data-sharing options. The operator offers flexible top-ups starting from 1,000 colones (around €2).

Kolbi, the country's historic national operator, guarantees presence in 97% of the territory with competitive rates. Its range of prepaid plans adapts perfectly to travelers' needs, particularly with packages including international calls.

Claro rounds out the trio of major players with data-focused offerings. Its 4G network covers 85% of the country—a particularly impressive performance for heavy users of streaming and social media.

What to Choose: Local SIM Card or eSIM?

For travelers equipped with a recent smartphone, eSIM represents a practical solution. Its instant activation before departure ensures you're connected as soon as you land in San José.

A local SIM card remains an economical alternative, with prices starting at 2,000 colones (around €4). It offers the advantage of obtaining a local number for traditional calls and texts.

Major eSIM providers like Airalo or Holafly offer data plans ranging from 5 to 20 GB, valid for 7 to 30 days. This option avoids the hassle of physical card handling and the risk of loss. eSIM also lets you keep your English-speaking line active in parallel—a real advantage for staying reachable on your usual number.

Free Plans and Options for Staying Connected

The Free 5G plan stands out by automatically including Costa Rica in its international zone. Travelers benefit from a generous 35 GB of monthly mobile data, usable at no extra cost in the country.

Its major asset lies in the ability to use WhatsApp, Google Maps, and social media without restriction. 4G coverage works particularly well in tourist areas like Manuel Antonio or Tamarindo.

To take advantage of these benefits, remember to activate the travel option from your account before departure. Your connection automatically switches to local partner networks upon arrival at San José airport.

How Much Does Internet Cost in Costa Rica?

In Costa Rica, you can access the internet in several ways. Roaming from France costs between €7.50 and €13.31 per MB depending on the operator (Free, Bouygues, Orange). A local SIM card offers 8 GB for €34 or 12 GB for €47 for 30 days. An eSIM is also available, offering 6 GB for 15 days at €47. Pocket WiFi is available for €80.44 per week, with delivery charges. Finally, public WiFi is free in most hotels, cafés, and public spaces.

Using Your Phone Without Extra Costs

The WhatsApp application is an excellent alternative to traditional calls. Once connected to your hotel's WiFi or a restaurant's network, your communications become free.

To keep your budget in check, disable mobile data upon arrival. Instead, prioritize downloading Google Maps offline beforehand.

You can also use instant messaging apps via public WiFi networks, available in most shopping centers and cafés across the country. Don't forget to activate a VPN to secure your connections on these open networks.

The portable Pocket WiFi solution appeals to group travelers: a single device connects up to 5 terminals simultaneously at a reasonable daily cost.